Vitamin D-rich Diet May Decrease Cholesterol in Kids
New research links vitamin D levels and cholesterol in primary school children.
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Healthy diet, physical activity, and time outdoors lead to the production of vitamin D and can all be linked to higher serum vitamin D levels and lower plasma lipid levels, study authors said.
The sun provides vitamin D, but in northern latitudes, the exposure to sunlight alone is inadequate to maintain sufficient serum levels, especially during the winter. Therefore, study authors say the best source of vitamin D is from fortified dietary sources, such as dairy products and spreads, as well as fish. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended for the general population in several countries, though the recommendations vary greatly. Daily supplementation between 5-50 ug/d, or 200-2000 IU/d, is generally recommended.